Opportunity for All: Final Recommendations of the Workgroup on Persons with Disabilities.

New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission, Trenton.

The Workgroup on Persons with Disabilities was created by the New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission to expand the dialogue among public officials, advocates, parents, customers, and practitioners concerning philosophical and policy differences about the appropriate role of the employment, training, and education system for people with disabilities. This report characterizes individuals with disabilities in New Jersey; highlights the current situation in employment opportunities; examines several policy issues; and points out that primary service providers lack a coordinated approach to link institutions, agencies, and programs to New Jersey's mainstream workforce readiness system. Three critical program linkages form the basis for the Workgroup's recommendations: connection of special education to vocational education, connection of special education students after graduation with service providers for adults, and connection of the business community to the system that serves people with disabilities. Thirteen recommendations are discussed, and an action agenda of seven policy priorities is outlined. Appendices contain descriptions of services provided by specific state government agencies and a glossary. (JDD)